SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES

Homeless families throughout Colorado are struggling at rates greater than ever before. Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of homelessness, often suffering educational, physical, emotional and developmental setbacks. Exposure to violence, poor living conditions and lack of quality daycare compound these problems.

A nationwide study of homeless children published last year found that Colorado has a relatively high number of homeless children; the National Center on Family Homelessness’ report “America’s Youngest Outcasts” ranked Colorado 35 out of 50 (states) in this category.

The Coalition’s Family Support Services Program provides a wide range of critical services including shelter placement; 24 months of service-enriched transitional housing; children’s programs designed to promote healthy physical, emotional, educational and social growth; and Welfare-to-Work programs.

Families with Children Largest Segment of Homeless Population

A 2009 Point-in-Time count conducted by the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative found that families comprise nearly half of the homeless population.  Of the 11,061 people who were accessing homeless services on Jan. 27, 2009, 44.5% were homeless for the first time and 2,941 were children under the age of 18. 

In 2008, the Coalition's rural Colorado and Metro Denver Transitional Housing programs housed hundreds of families, 79% of whom became stabilized in permanent housing and 6% who exited to home ownership.